God actually hates “A LYING TONGUE.”

So says the Bible, King Solomon nonetheless, in Proverbs 6:17. This deceitful thing is number two in a list of seven abominations, in God’s Eyes.

The noun “tongue” is pretty simple, “lashon” in Hebrew. Pronounced “law-shone,” with the accent on the last syllable. While once the word is translated “flame” in the King James Version of Scripture (how appropriate, a “fire”), most often (98 times) it is expressed “tongue.” But 10 more times it is “language.”

The modifier “lying” is spelled “sheqer” (“sheh-ker,” this time accenting the first syllable). It fundamentally means “deceit or deception.” Something “false.” The Greek Septuagint uses the word “adikos” for “lying” here, a tongue that’s “not righteous.” Or genuinely “evil, wicked.”

Our words must be quite important to God. Because in this list, this short compilation of “Things God Hates,” possible “sins of the mouth” occur yet again! “A false witness that speaketh lies,” certainly involving more verbal perversion! And just maybe “He That Soweth Discord Among The Brethren” uses the mouth as well! That would be three out of seven. No wonder Jesus taught: “But I say unto you, That EVERY IDLE WORD that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For BY THY WORDS thou shalt be justified, and BY THY WORDS thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

So the “crux” of today’s Lesson?

Be truthful!

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote: “Wherefore putting away lying, SPEAK EVERY MAN THE TRUTH with his neighbor.” Ephesians 4:25

Yes, God still hates lying.

If fact, “God cannot lie,” according to Titus 1:2.

And for emphasis, Hebrews 6:18 declares: “It is impossible for God to lie.”

Enough has been said.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell